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Audrey Wennink

@awennink.bsky.social
244 followers 88 following 140 posts

Pedestrian, cyclist, transit rider, mom, knitter, urbanist, Chicagoan. Senior Director at Metropolitan Planning Council.

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Audrey Wennink @awennink.bsky.social · 25/09/2026
NITA is launching Rider Advisor Councils. Apply here: nita.illinois.gov/blog/2026/09...
nita.illinois.gov
Northern Illinois Transit Authority | NITA launches Rider Advisory Councils, now accepting applications
NITA is now accepting applications for two new volunteer advisory councils: the Riders Advisory Council and the ADA Advisory Council, both required by the…
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Audrey Wennink @awennink.bsky.social · 24/09/2026
Please fill out this @illinoisdot.bsky.social survey about what you need from an IL intercity bus program www.surveymonkey.com/r/2B25XBD
surveymonkey.com
IDOT Intercity Bus Survey
Take this survey powered by surveymonkey.com. Create your own surveys for free.
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Audrey Wennink @awennink.bsky.social · 10/09/2026
Our new agency - Northern Illinois Transit Authority - seated its first board of directors today! Tom Kotarac of The Civic Committee was elected board chair. Longtime Chicago government leader Jamie Rhee was named interim Exec Director for 6 months until a permanent ED is selected. A strong start!
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Daniel Moser @dmoser.bsky.social · 03/09/2026
Pollution levels in London after 10 years of advancing sustainable transport.
Map showing Lower Pollution levels in London after 10 years of advancing sustainable transport.
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Audrey Wennink @awennink.bsky.social · 01/09/2026
The new NITA website is up! nita.illinois.gov
nita.illinois.gov
Northern Illinois Transit Authority | Home
Committed to achieving a vision of safe, reliable, accessible public transportation that connects people to opportunity, advances equity, and combats…
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Audrey Wennink @awennink.bsky.social · 25/08/2026
I am glad to see monarch caterpillars have found the milkweed we planted in the parkway. Plant native species everywhere you can to support pollinators!
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Audrey Wennink @awennink.bsky.social · 21/08/2026
The Governor's appointments to the NITA board have been announced. gov-pritzker-newsroom.prezly.com/gov-pritzker...
gov-pritzker-newsroom.prezly.com
Gov. Pritzker Announces Appointments to Northern Illinois Transit Authority (NITA)
New board appointees bring decades of experience in transit, regional planning, community development, technology, and public sector leadership
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Audrey Wennink @awennink.bsky.social · 21/08/2026
The Chicago Greyhound station “will get better under city ownership” says @aldconway.bsky.social. This is a regional transportation hub. Nearly 500k people on 72 buses use the station daily. The city now owns the terminal and will start rehab this year.
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Audrey Wennink @awennink.bsky.social · 19/08/2026
Please join Alderman Conway and City of Chicago departments for a community meeting to learn more about our new Municipal Bus Station. Thursday, August 20, 2026 Time: 6:00 PM - 7:30 PM. Location: The Chicago School - 400 S. Jefferson. Register here: cloud.citynews.chicago.gov/municipalbus...
cloud.citynews.chicago.gov
Date: Thursday, August 20, 2026 Time: 6:00 PM - 7:30 PM Location: The Chicago School - 400 S. Jefferson
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Audrey Wennink @awennink.bsky.social · 18/08/2026
@chicagocta.bsky.social is adding 3 routes to its frequent route network this Sunday (#35 31st/35th, #74 Fullerton, #85 Central) - with service at least every 10 min from 6am to 9pm weekdays. Increased funding from the NITA Act is making this possible! www.transitchicago.com/cta-bolsters...
transitchicago.com
CTA Bolsters Frequent Network with Four Additional Routes by End of 2026
The Chicago Transit Authority (CTA) today announced more frequent and expanded service on 10 bus routes starting Sunday, August 23, including the addition of three bus routes to the heralded Frequent ...
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Audrey Wennink @awennink.bsky.social · 02/07/2026
Urban planners and housing advocates…you have to see this show www.secondcity.com/shows/chicag...
secondcity.com
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Car Free Keith @carfreekeith.bsky.social · 24/06/2026
New video out now! Covering the sweeping reforms to Illinois transit that started taking effect this month. Big thanks to @metroplanning.bsky.social and @awennink.bsky.social for a) helping craft this legislation and b) helping make this video. Hope you enjoy! youtu.be/eH-ZsEoGu_g?...
youtu.be
Chicago's Transit Agencies Finally Started Working Together
YouTube video by Car Free Keith
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Audrey Wennink @awennink.bsky.social · 01/06/2026
The Northern Illinois Transit Authority Act goes into effect today! We begin a truly exciting era for Chicago area transit. Read @metroplanning.bsky.social new report on what to expect. metroplanning.org/wp-content/u...
metroplanning.org
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Audrey Wennink @awennink.bsky.social · 14/05/2026
Get inspired about what's possible for suburban transit-oriented development in the Chicago region by hearing from experts from DC, Dallas and NY at the next @metroplanning.bsky.social Transit Talks event on May 19 from 8:30 - 11. Register here: host.nxt.blackbaud.com/registration...
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Audrey Wennink @awennink.bsky.social · 01/05/2026
The NITA Act goes into effect one month from today. Check out the new @metroplanning.bsky.social report on what exciting changes are coming if we implement it well metroplanning.org/resources/ni...
metroplanning.org
Riding Into the Future: A Regional Vision for the Implementation of the Northern Illinois Transit Authority (NITA) Act > Metropolitan Planning Council
This MPC report outlines the overarching goals of the NITA Act and the steps necessary to take for its successful implementation.
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David Zipper @davidzipper.bsky.social · 26/03/2026
Manhattan's congestion pricing program has been a stunning success. Other US cities have noticed. Could Chicago go next? In @bloomberg.com, I explored. 🧵
bloomberg.com
Could Congestion Pricing Pay Off for Chicago?
Second City leaders have discussed following Manhattan’s lead in tolling roads to ease traffic. But a Chicago-style version of New York’s policy might look very different.
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Audrey Wennink @awennink.bsky.social · 26/03/2026
How will the Governor's proposed housing package, the BUILD Act, help make housing more affordable? Here's a detailed dive into what we should expect from these policies, acknowledging the gentrification pressures that currently exist in areas of Chicago. open.substack.com/pub/citythat...
open.substack.com
What will Governor Pritzker's housing plan mean for existing two-flats?
The impact of upzoning on existing low cost housing
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Audrey Wennink @awennink.bsky.social · 26/03/2026
Help shape the future of transit in Illinois. Illinois DOT is hosting a series of small, interactive virtual focus groups with people who rely on buses, trains, and other shared transportation. Interested participants register here docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1F...
docs.google.com
Focus Group Interest Form
Thank you for your interest in Next Move Illinois' virtual focus group series! Any personally identifying information provided will be kept confidential and will only be used to contact you if necess...
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Audrey Wennink @awennink.bsky.social · 26/03/2026
Great policy to allow flexibility for developers so housing is easier and cheaper to build
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Audrey Wennink @awennink.bsky.social · 24/03/2026
Wrigley Field is special because it's part of a vibrant neighborhood. Building more parking will just incentivize more driving. Do not expand the parking lot. Instead, the Cubs should figure out what else they can do to support people taking Metra/shuttles, buses, biking, walking to the field.
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Audrey Wennink @awennink.bsky.social · 18/03/2026
activetrans.quorum.us/campaign/158... The legislation HB4660 would legalize the safety stop, allowing people biking to treat stop signs as yield signs. This simple update has been proven to reduce crashes and keep people biking out of harm’s way at intersections. Tell your legislators you support.
activetrans.quorum.us
Urgent Action Needed: Tell IL House to Support Safety Stop for Cyclists
Bill would allow stop-as-yield for people riding bikes
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Audrey Wennink @awennink.bsky.social · 15/03/2026
open.substack.com/pub/rthompto... This is a great explanation of the importance of regionalism, the hard work of Metropolitan Planning Organizations. And why transportation planning is systems thinking.
open.substack.com
Mr. MPO
How I ended up at the table nobody's heard of
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Audrey Wennink @awennink.bsky.social · 14/03/2026
Levels of debt and default on auto loans are astronomical. This story of a single mom accruing massive debt from a car loan is all too common. We must provide good alternatives to driving. www.newyorker.com/magazine/202...
newyorker.com
Trump’s Reckless Gutting of the Consumer Financial Protection Bureau
As the cost of living continues to spiral upward, the White House is dismantling the government agency built to protect Americans from financial ruin.
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Audrey Wennink @awennink.bsky.social · 13/03/2026
The future of the Chicago region’s transit demands NITA board appointments of high quality. Directors must be knowledgeable about transit, collaborative, have a regional perspective and be deeply committed to transit’s success. citythatworks.substack.com/p/who-should...
citythatworks.substack.com
Put real experts in charge of transit
Evidence from high-functioning systems
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Audrey Wennink @awennink.bsky.social · 06/03/2026
Average new vehicles now cost $50K. We have to expand affordable bike, walk, transit networks to provide alternatives to costly driving. www.chicagotribune.com/2026/03/06/a...
chicagotribune.com
Affordability angst: How automakers are courting price-shocked buyers
Demand for both high-end and affordable vehicles is a symptom of what experts call a K-shaped economy. While the wealthiest benefit from a booming stock market, lower earners are struggling with in…
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Audrey Wennink @awennink.bsky.social · 04/03/2026
I'll be at Second City on Sunday, March 8 participating in the @funnyyoushouldcare.bsky.social show about safe streets. Come see the show!
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Audrey Wennink @awennink.bsky.social · 04/03/2026
Congestion pricing is legal. www.politico.com/news/2026/03...
politico.com
Trump administration can’t stop New York's congestion pricing, court rules
Gov. Kathy Hochul declared victory: “Congestion pricing is legal, it works, and it is here to stay. “
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Audrey Wennink @awennink.bsky.social · 21/02/2026
www.changinglanesdoc.com/about.Thrilled to see the Changing Lanes documentary about street safety and the rollercoaster ride to get good transportation policy implemented. Kudos to the wonderful director Ben Wolf who produced this film himself carrying all equipment by bike.
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Audrey Wennink @awennink.bsky.social · 07/02/2026
Traffic safety is no joke…but check out the Safe Streets comedy show at Second City. There are 3 shows on Sunday nights in February and March. See you there! !https://www.secondcity.com/shows/chicago/safe-streets-the-comedy-show-why-it-sucks-to-walk-or-drive-in-chicago-and-how-we-can-fix-it-chi
secondcity.com
Safe Streets: The Comedy Show. Why It Sucks to Walk or Drive in Chicago (and How We Can Fix It) - The Second City
Discover top sketch, improv, and stand-up comedy shows at the world-famous Second City!
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Audrey Wennink @awennink.bsky.social · 04/02/2026
Great #Transit Equity Day riding the Western Ave bus with IL transit champion Rep Theresa Mah, advocates, @chicagocta.bsky.social and Chicago DOT talking about bus rapid transit, the need for better connections to Metra and improved walkability near transit stations. This is why NITA was created!
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Audrey Wennink @awennink.bsky.social · 23/01/2026
A good amount of people are out riding the buses today despite the severe cold. Thanks @chicagocta.bsky.social for providing this essential service. This weather highlights the importance of accurate bus arrival data so waiting in the cold is minimized.
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Audrey Wennink @awennink.bsky.social · 16/12/2025
Loving my @chicagocta.bsky.social holiday sweater!!
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Governor JB Pritzker @govpritzker.illinois.gov · 16/12/2025
A once-in-a-generation investment that benefits everyone in our state. Today, I’m proud to sign the Northern Illinois Transit Authority Act into law. Our new regional authority will modernize Illinois’ transit systems — and we’re doing it with no new statewide taxes.
Governor JB Pritzker signed the Northern Illinois Transit Authority (NITA) Act, SB2111, into law, marking a landmark action in modernizing Illinois’ transit system. The law creates a new regional authority to oversee CTA, Metra, and Pace, while delivering significant investments in public transit, capital projects, and tollways across the state—all without raising statewide taxes.
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SideStreets @sidestreets.bsky.social · 16/12/2025
Shoutout to "the tenacious environmental and transit advocates"! - @awennink.bsky.social of MPC - Dany Robles of @ilenviro.bsky.social - Jacky Grimshaw of @cnt.org - Amy Rynell of @atalliance.bsky.social
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Audrey Wennink @awennink.bsky.social · 16/12/2025
What a thrill to be behind the podium and have @metroplanning.bsky.social acknowledged during the transit bill signing ceremony this morning!
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Audrey Wennink @awennink.bsky.social · 09/12/2025
If we do not issue transportation bonds as part of the coming city budget, Chicago DOT will have sharply reduced funds for building Complete Streets. We need to invest to make our streets safer and make buses work better. activetrans.org/blog/chicago...
activetrans.org
Chicago’s infrastructure bond is essential for making streets safer | Active Transportation Alliance
The Chicago Department of Transportation (CDOT) has made major progress transforming Chicago’s streets into safer, more accessible places for people […]
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Audrey Wennink @awennink.bsky.social · 03/12/2025
Chicago DOT- bike lanes are not plowed along Belmont east of Kimball. Cyclists are forced into vehicle travel lanes. We need to prioritize clearing snow for cyclists. Sidewalks are also a mess in this area. Let’s do better.
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Audrey Wennink @awennink.bsky.social · 01/12/2025
Construction costs are high. What is the solution to modernizing transportation infrastructure? Multimodal investments (bus, rail, bike) can reduce transportation expenditures in the long run by more affordably serving urban travel needs rmi.org/building-sma...
rmi.org
Building Smarter: How Investing in More Transportation Choices Cuts Infrastructure Costs - RMI
Last month, Illinois lawmakers brought the Chicago transit system back from the brink of financial insolvency largely by deploying one transformative solution: shifting transport revenues away from ex...
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Audrey Wennink @awennink.bsky.social · 30/11/2025
My daughter asked me to drive her to OHare today…as usual I said, no, CTA will be more reliable and safer, especially given the snowy road conditions. And then I get this text - “there is a ton of traffic at OHare. I am flying right past.” Way to go @chicagocta.bsky.social!
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The Onion @theonion.com · 25/11/2025
Report: It Pretty Incredible That Americans Entrusted With Driving Cars theonion.com/report-it-pretty-incre…
Report: It Pretty Incredible That Americans Entrusted With Driving Cars
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Audrey Wennink @awennink.bsky.social · 25/11/2025
Today suburban legislators celebrated state transit reform and funding legislation. NITA creates "a single, coordinated regional authority. We are breaking down the barriers between Metra, Pace and CTA" said state Rep. Mary Beth Canty, D-Arlington Heights. www.chicagotribune.com/2025/11/25/s...
chicagotribune.com
Suburban legislators, advocates tout single-fare system, transit-oriented development after passage of mass transit funding bill
Lawmakers and advocates said a single-fare system, more frequent trains and more development near transit options are potential gains of the bill.
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Audrey Wennink @awennink.bsky.social · 20/11/2025
cook-rail-survey-hntbcorp.hub.arcgis.com
cook-rail-survey-hntbcorp.hub.arcgis.com
Cook County Rail Survey
Take the Cook County Rail Infill Station Study Survey for where you'd like to see rail stations.
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Audrey Wennink @awennink.bsky.social · 05/11/2025
Great to see that the city is preparing to acquire the intercity bus station. This is good public policy. This station serves more than 500,000 passengers annually. This is a major transportation hub critical to Midwest mobility. www.chicagobusiness.com/politics/cit...
chicagobusiness.com
City sets aside $50 million for Greyhound station
Downtown Ald. Bill Conway says he discovered the $50 million set-aside tucked into a city report, and the Johnson administration has provided no details.
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Audrey Wennink @awennink.bsky.social · 05/11/2025
Here is a summary of what’s in the transit bill (SB2111) metroplanning.org/illinois-pas... @metroplanning.bsky.social
metroplanning.org
Illinois Passes the Northern Illinois Transit Authority Act > Metropolitan Planning Council
Illinois received a Halloween treat to remember this year as The Northern Illinois Transit Authority Act (SB2111) passed the Illinois General Assembly in the early hours of October 31, 2025, and Gover...
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Audrey Wennink @awennink.bsky.social · 03/11/2025
events.eventnoire.com/e/the-sixth-...
events.eventnoire.com
Please Update Your Browser Before Viewing Our Site
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Audrey Wennink @awennink.bsky.social · 31/10/2025
Illinois transit is going to be bigger and better than ever! SB2111 passed!!!
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Audrey Wennink @awennink.bsky.social · 31/10/2025
SB2111 to fund transit operations is being heard in the Senate..at 3:30am!
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Audrey Wennink @awennink.bsky.social · 31/10/2025
SB 2111 to fund transit operations in IL passed the House!
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Audrey Wennink @awennink.bsky.social · 31/10/2025
The IL transit operations bill is up in the House
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Audrey Wennink @awennink.bsky.social · 31/10/2025
Spending the night at the capitol - working to get the transit operations funding bill over the finish line in IL.
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